Today South African National Parks (SANParks) took ownership of the AS350 B3 s/n 4091 helicopter at an official hand over ceremony held at Lanseria Airport near Johannesburg. Both Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk and SANParks Chief Executive Dr David Mabunda, accepted the helicopter on behalf of SANParks.
The helicopter is the first of two bought by SANParks in July 2006 and the second will be delivered in December 2006.
Speaking at the function, Minister Van Schalkwyk said he was delighted at the acquisition.
“Our protected areas are an integral part of world conservation and biodiversity. In this regard, government supports this investment, which will ensure preservation of our national heritage and its accompanying natural resources for the benefit of all our citizens”, said Minister Van Schalkwyk.
He further said that this investment could not have come at a more opportune time. “In the run up to important international events like the 2010 World Soccer Cup, the country is currently busy revamping its tourism infrastructure to ensure that these meet the required world standards”.
The two EC 120 helicopters were bought in 1999, and had served their purpose well in SANParks, flying more than 3,900 hours over six years. They had already reached their optimum buy-back value, major routine and obligatory engine overhaul, as a result SANParks made a decision to upgrade the helicopter fleet by acquiring more versatile helicopters with advanced capabilities.
Said Dr Mabunda: “SANParks is one of the biggest users of helicopters and we are ecstatic to have the helicopter as an additional resource. Helicopters are an essential tool in all our national parks as they are often used in day-to-day park management activities, specialised and highly sensitive game capture operations, fire fighting, anti-poaching and law enforcement, wildlife census projects as well as emergency rescue operations”.
The AS350 B3 s/n 4091 helicopter is a “multi-role, reliable, fast and rugged workhorse” well equipped with “advanced systems such as dual channel FADEC, vehicle and engine monitoring displays as well as integrated GPS”. With a sling capacity of 1,400 kg, the AS350 B3 s/n 4091 features are essential for manoeuvres which require “high performance, including “hot and high” missions and sling work”.
“Safety is an important element of park management, conservation and biodiversity management, and since the old helicopters had already reached their optimum use, this is a good investment to SANParks, park management staff and the animals”, added Dr Mabunda.